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Product Description
Review
“The best writers of historical fiction imbue the past with the rich tapestry of life and depth, and Gregory is surely counted among their number. . . .A worthy addition to this fascinating series, once again distinguished by excellent characterization, thorough research, and a deft touch with the written word.” –Library Journal
“The suspenseful pace never flags.” –Kirkus
“The ethereal magic threaded throughout the story. . . .contrasts nicely with the power politics.” –Booklist
“This rip-roarer possesses the same intimate imaginative texture of Gregory’s classic The Other Boleyn Girl. . . . It’s about love, power and human weakness.” --USAToday.com
“The best yet, a lively tale . . . set amid civil wars in England and France.” –Associated Press
Book Description
The Lady of the Rivers is #1 New York Times bestselling author Philippa Gregory’s remarkable story of Jacquetta, Duchess of Bedford, a woman who navigated a treacherous path through the battle lines in the Wars of the Roses.
Descended from Melusina, the river goddess, Jacquetta always has had the gift of second sight. As a child visiting her uncle, she met his prisoner, Joan of Arc, and saw her own power reflected in the young woman accused of witchcraft. They share the mystery of the tarot card of the wheel of fortune before Joan is taken to a horrific death at the hands of the English rulers of France. Jacquetta understands the danger for a woman who dares to dream.
Jacquetta is married to the Duke of Bedford, English regent of France, and he introduces her to a mysterious world of learning and alchemy. Her only friend in the great household is the duke’s squire Richard Woodville, who is at her side when the duke’s death leaves her a wealthy young widow. The two become lovers and marry in secret, returning to England to serve at the court of the young King Henry VI, where Jacquetta becomes a close and loyal friend to his new queen.
The Woodvilles soon achieve a place at the very heart of the Lancaster court, though Jacquetta can sense the growing threat from the people of England and the danger of royal rivals. Not even their courage and loyalty can keep the House of Lancaster on the throne. Henry the king slides into a mysterious sleep; Margaret the queen turns to untrustworthy favorites for help; and Richard, Duke of York, threatens to overturn the whole kingdom for his rival dynasty.
Jacquetta fights for her king, her queen, and for her daughter Elizabeth for whom Jacquetta can sense an extraordinary and unexpected future: a change of fortune, the throne of England, and the white rose of York.
A sweeping, powerful story rich in passion and legend and drawing on years of research, The Lady of the Rivers tells the story of the real-life mother of the white queen.
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Most helpful customer reviews
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Read me First!,
By Jan "Wishing you wellness..." (Vancouver, BC, Canada) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Lady of the Rivers, The (Hardcover)
I loved this book! This book is the back-story. The Lady of The Rivers explains the background story for the Red Queen and the White Queen, so read The Lady of The Rivers first as it will make the other two stories more meaningful. Also, if you are even mildly interested in Tarot, this story will pique your interest in the history of Tarot, or perhaps your desire to finally buy a deck and play with it. I actually bought this book as my very first Audible audio book so it was even more captivating than reading it on paper. Thank you Philippa for another great 'read'. Keep them coming please!
3.0 out of 5 stars
Lady of the Rivers,
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This review is from: Lady of the Rivers, The (Hardcover)
I was very disappointed by this book after having enjoyed the many successful novels written by Philippa Gregory.The historical background here chosen by the author is the War of the Roses, which consists of a series of battles fought over 30 years by the English Houses of the Lancaster and the York, with alternate victories and defeats. This piece of history, boring by nature, remains in the book a boring story, that is a repetitious succession of "uneventful events". The author's interest was raised by the historical character, Jacquetta, Duchess of Bedford, the Lady in Waiting and good friend of the Queen Margaret of Anjou. She is the main character, who tells the story in the first person. This remains the best element of this fictional-historical novel, the fact that a famous historical episode is told from the point of view of one of the minor participants, and how History with the capital 'H' affects the story of every day life. The result however is that of a diluted story into a non told history. There is no real drama. The plot is flat, it unfolds slowly, with no grip, no intensity. Neither the characters, nor the events ever come to life. The events are monotonously told, never dramatized, and, in the same way than the every day events, they repeat themselves over and over again. The main character lacks personality, her potential is not fulfilled. It remains a flat image on paper. All the characters in effect lack depth and they keep monotonously repeating the same actions.
5.0 out of 5 stars
A new favorite,
By
This review is from: Lady of the Rivers, The (Hardcover)
Philippa Gregory has, once again, written a keeper. I have never read a book by this author that I haven't enjoyed, but this one has definitely risen to the top as my favorite. It is one of those books that a reader can get lost in: Jacquetta's life becomes a part of the reader's reality. It is such a joy to read a book that recognises the power women always have held, even when it wasn't widely acknowledged. And the love that existed between Jacquetta and Richard is inspiring and delightful.I don't know what lapse in my education left me unaware of Jacquetta, Dowager Duchess of Bedford, Lady of the Rivers, descendant of Melusina the river goddess. Learning about the War of the Roses in school would have been much more interesting had there been a unit on her, for sure! (and yes she was a real person and the book is based on historical fact.) In case you also missed out in history class, Jacquetta of Luxembourg was born in about 1415 and at the age of 17 was married to John of Lancaster, first Duke of Bedford. This alliance to the Lancasters would be one she honored even in times of trial and disaster for the family. She became the second most powerful woman in England and ancester to the present British monarchy. From all accounts she was a strong willed woman who followed her heart no matter the cost. She is said to have dabbled in witchcraft, just a bit - or maybe more, who knows for sure. What we do know about her life sparks the imagination and Philippa Gregory used that spark to create a work of literary art.
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